Michael Jackson on a recent night out

He may have celebrated his 50th birthday yesterday, but it seems that Michael Jackson still feels young at heart.

'I'll just have a little cake with my children and we'll probably watch some cartoons,' the pop singer said in a telephone interview with ABC News's Good Morning America programme.

Jackson, a twice-divorced father of three, said he aims to provide a normal life for his children, Prince Michael, 11, Paris, ten, and six-year-old Blanket.

'I am letting them enjoy their childhood as much as possible,' he told the interviewer.

'I let them go to the arcade and go to the movies and do things.

'I think that comes naturally. I want them to get to do things I didn't get to do. I get pretty emotional when I see them having a wonderful time.'

As for his career, Jackson said he was 'looking forward to doing a lot of great things. I think the best is yet to come in my true humble opinion.'

He said that recording the blockbuster albums Thriller and Off The Wall were the happiest times of his life.

'That meant very much to me and seemed to be received so beautifully by the public and the world,' he said.

Jackson's career faltered after allegations of child abuse in 2003. Although he was cleared, he became a recluse. This year he sold his Neverland ranch.